Anyway. I am travelling to Europe this year, first time, alone. (i’ve done it before in US but in Europe the experience is probably so much different). I am not really sure, but well, i have a young aunt in Berlin (West), and she’s probably picking me up and stuff…

In the other hand, i have this adorable friend, but he lives in the East. I’ve heard lots of horror stories about East Germany, so, is the lion as fierce as it looks?

On the other hand, i’d like to get out and meet other people… and of course, not only stay in Berlin…. i remember there was an excellent thread , a long one, full of advices , to woman who will travel alone, but i can’t find it….

Well, there is a difference between East Berlin and West Berlin, but it’s not that big a deal and I don’t really see any difference for the solo female. What kind of horror stories have you heard about East Berlin?[&o] We stayed in the “former Eastern sector” and in many ways I prefer it to the “former Western sector.”

Im also planning on going to Europe (london) in April by myself. I’m only 18 and its the first time I’ll be traveling internationally all alone. Is there anything I should be really concerned or cautious about?

Europe is generally safer than the US and London does not have a particularly bad reputation. You do not need to be overly concerned about your safety. Some tips, however: You need to worry about your valuables, not your personal safety. Pickpockets and pursesnatchers are the issue, not muggers or people who will attack you. Since you’ll be alone you’ll need to be more careful. There’s nobody to watch your backside while you’re distracted — taking a photo or looking at the map. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Follow your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, leave the area. Use a money belt for passport, credit card, ATM card and spare cash. Carry the cash you need for the day in a pocket. Limit yourself to one thing to carry — day pack or messenger bag with guidebook, camera, water bottle and whatever else you need for the day.

Still… well, back to my question….. some time ago, i met two guys from Germany, one from Bavaria and the other was from Hamburg. We were talking about Germany, asking them about neonazis or such characters, and one of them was like, “Germany is pretty cool, nothing bad really happens, unless you go to the East”.

[=“trebuchet ms”]In a few years I will be backpacking Europe. I will be hitting the major cities, London, Paris, Venice, etc. I was wondering if anyone has any tips on what to bring, what hostels to stay at, more cities to visit, and how to travel to my destinations that are to far to walk.[/] [8|]

I don’t want to make this sound like a big deal, because it isn’t, but there is a definite tension between East and West Germany. Some Westerners resent the fact that tons of resources (read their tax euros) are going to propping up and improving the East German economy which was in absolute shambles. Some Easterners are disillusioned with capitalism, feel they aren’t getting their fair share of the booming economy and long fof some of the economic protection they had in the past. Negative words about the East from Westerners is one manifestation of this tension. I wouldn’t worry much.

Crimes like car theft are more prevelent in the East, but crimes against persons are, IMO equally unlikely for the tourist. You might read about “mafia-type” crime but I doubt you’ll notice any difference in your safety as a visitor — I wouldn’t flash super-expensive jewelry in either place.